In a recent Cutler Cast podcast, bodybuilding figures Jay Cutler and Shawn Ray discuss the aftermath of the 2023 Mr. Olympia. Shawn Ray evaluates Samson Dauda has the ability to beat Hadi Choopan and Derek Lunsford in 2023 mr olympia, stating, “He can beat both.”
During the insightful dialogue, Shawn Ray shared a compelling thesis, expressing his belief in Samson Dauda’s potential to outshine both Hadi Choopan and Derek Lunsford. Moreover, Ray envisioned Dauda as a strong candidate poised to claim the prestigious title of Mr. Olympia in 2024. Also, this perspective added an intriguing dimension to the post-Olympia analysis.
Moreover, the podcast delved into the broader context of the bodybuilding community’s reactions to the 2023 Mr. Olympia results. Notably, Derek Lunsford faced online harassment and threats after his historic victory. Furthermore, the discussion touched upon the challenges faced by the athletes amidst the intense scrutiny of bodybuilding enthusiasts.
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As the conversation unfolded, Cutler and Ray also explored the broader issue of politics in bodybuilding. Earlier in the month, Jay Cutler and Milos Sarcev had joined forces to advocate for a shift away from political influences in the sport. The podcast provided a platform to discuss the top three finishers of the 2023 Mr. Olympia and speculate on the potential twists and turns awaiting the bodybuilding world in the upcoming year.
Shawn Ray – Samson Dauda Can Beat Hadi Choopan and Derek Lunsford at 2023 Olympia
Ray emphasized Lunsford’s role as champion, stressing brand representation and bodybuilding visibility elevation.
“As you know the weight of the crown is heavy and it comes with a lot of responsibility and you’ve got to choose your words properly. He’s representing numerous brands, Evogen is doing a great job and Hany Rambod, obviously, he’s a rock star, so he’s going to protect his athletes but Derek’s calling is to be the best representative he can be.”
Shawn Ray Foresees Lunsford’s Strategic Move: Advocates Continued Community Engagement
Ray anticipates Lunsford’s optimal strategy is to maintain his current approach, emphasizing active involvement within the community, exemplified by recent guest posing appearances following his significant victory.
“So the best play for him, and he’s accessible, is to keep talking because he’s articulate, passionate, he’s God-fearing, he gets what it takes and I was there when he won the USA here in Vegas and he was talking to Manion. He’s done everything like yourself, right, to position himself where he can come across as a very competent spokesperson that wants change for all athletes,” explains Shawn Ray.
“The momentum he had… there wasn’t a mad wave going into that contest saying we want to upset Hadi. Hadi lost some very close competition, Derek won the contest, I’ve got no protest. A year ago, I was up there going you know what I have Derek winning this competition. Surprise! Hadi wins.”
Shawn Ray Acknowledges Enhanced Physique of Derek Lunsford in 2023 Compared to Previous Year.
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“I liked Derek this year. I liked Derek this year even though I had him winning last year. Yeah. These two physiques are different depending on the pose right? Right when you get me over here, you got me over there, because this is Hadi’s shot [most muscular] this is not a shot Derek should stand next to him on. Derek has a lot of maturing to go. I guarantee he’s 10 years younger than Hadi, yeah he looks a lot younger. He’s fresh and he’s got some longevity there.”
Shawn Ray’s Confidence in Samson Dauda’s Potential for a Double Victory in the 2024 Arnold Classic and Mr. Olympia
Ray believes that with Dauda’s structure, potential, and size, winning both prestigious titles is only a matter of time.
He can also keep his weight down throughout the whole year and do what only two people have done, Ronnie Coleman and Dexter Jackson. Win the Arnold in March and the Olympia in October the next year, he can win both those Arnold Classics and the Olympia – something that hasn’t been done since Ronnie, Dexter, and Brandon Curry did it.”
“But Samson has a better opportunity because there is no comparison with Hadi and Derek. It’s either him, those two, or him. He’s either going to be third on the three-peat or he’s going to be first. If he shuts the door on both of them, we’re not talking about Derek or Hadi anymore,” shared Ray.
“If he stays lean and uses his time to go back to Ohio and defend his title, he gets that little cushion financially, but he also gains that confidence. Then he has to have it in his head, ‘I want to beat Brandon, I want to beat Dexter, and I want to beat Ronie, and win the Olympia in the same calendar year. That is not beyond his reach.”
Ray Highlights: Samson Dauda’s can become 2024 Mr. Olympia and peoples champion.
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“This was Samson Dauda’s show to lose,” added Ray.
“Samson is in control of his own fate and I think he can beat both of them no question. He’s the next Mr. Olympia.”
Furthermore, Ray Clarifies: Judges’ Decision on Lunsford’s Victory Uninfluenced by Politics.
“Hadi got the Mr. Olympia title, not because he was Persian but because he deserved it and he chose him. So the same situation, Jesus, six-time second-place finalist in the Mr. Olympia, Hadi just got second the first time, third, I mean he’s already been to the mountain top. Nobody took anything away from him. You can’t bring the political aspect, you already had it, they gave it to you.”
“He knows what being a Mr. Olympia is like, he’s going to do everything he can to win back the title. I remember when Jay was making a comeback and they said you couldn’t win it and he actually came back and won it,” said Ray.
Shawn Ray and IFBB Pro League Vice President Tyler Manion delve into the contentious aftermath of the 2023 Mr. Olympia. Manion meticulously evaluates the mandatory poses, revealing that Derek Lunsford secured a 5-3 victory over Hadi Choopan. As the bodybuilding landscape undergoes a significant shift, anticipation builds for the next Mr. Olympia in October, where Dauda, Choopan, and Lunsford are expected to resume their battle on the grand stage.
Check out the full video on the Cutler Cast YouTube channel:
Overview
In a recent Cutler Cast podcast, bodybuilding luminaries Jay Cutler and Shawn Ray engaged in a discussion of the 2023 Mr. Olympia. Moreover, Shawn Ray discusses the 2023 Olympia. Also, he evaluates Samson Dauda’s ability to beat Hadi Choopan and Derek Lunsford, stating, “He can beat both.” Furthermore, the conversation delved into broader community reactions. Challenges faced by athletes like Lunsford were addressed. Additionally, concerns about political influences in bodybuilding were discussed. The podcast offered insights into the top three 2023 Mr. Olympia finishers. It anticipated developments in the upcoming year. Emphasizing Lunsford’s role as a sport ambassador, it expressed confidence in Dauda’s future success.
Featured Image @moriauphoto (Instagram), @Cutlercast (Youtube)
